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How my little boy learned to share

Today I was waiting for my car at a junction in Mumbai’s busy Mahim area, when I saw an old lady sitting on a pavement and selling ripe bananas and fragrant Mogra flowers. After she finished expertly weaving a few dainty white buds into a small garland with her nimble wrinkled fingers, she happily settled down to have her lunch.

She opened her newspaper bundle that was tied with a string, slowly one fold at a time. Being lunch time, I was hungry myself. I wondered what yummy food she had wrapped so preciously. A vada pav maybe? When the package was finally opened, I saw just one thin slice of dry bread in it. I felt so guilty for thinking otherwise. But the old lady smiled at her food in delight. Just then a black crow came and perched right next to her. I thought she would instantly ‘shoo’ it off. Like any of us would do right? But she just stared at it for a minute. And then she ‘spoke’ to the crow. No, she was not crazy. I had heard her selling two bananas to a man just before this, and she had sounded fine. She now said to the crow sweetly, “Tum Khayega? Haan?” And then she broke off a piece of the bread and gave it to the crow. For the next few minutes she shared her lunch with the crow. Giving it one small piece while she put one in her own mouth. I was wanting to stay back and see what happens next, but my car arrived, and I had to leave. I had tears in my eyes as I drove away. She had so little yet she shared. And we are always hungry for so much more.

My little boy came home from school late in the afternoon, and found me staring outside the window. “Mom, what are you thinking about”, he asked curiously. I narrated the incident that happened at the junction. He was quiet after listening to it, lost in his thoughts. “Why couldn’t she eat some of her bananas if she has so little food,”he asked. “That’s a good question,” I replied. “But she cannot eat bananas and survive all day, can she? She needs bread or roti or rice.” “Hm, are you sure she did not get a loaf of bread, and there was too much so she shared it,” he seemed confused. “No, just one slice”, I replied. “How come the crow came so close to her (he was examining the photo on my phone)? Does she share her lunch everyday,” he asked, thinking deeply. “Maybe,” I said. “She is such a kind old lady mom”, he said. “I must learn to share too, right,” he asked innocently.

The little boy’s questions about the old lady made me think. Why was it initially so difficult for him to believe or accept the simple act of kindness, called ‘sharing’, shown by the lady? But I don’t blame him. Even I was very surprised by her gesture. Maybe because it happens so rarely these days? He still looked puzzled, as he stared at the photo, somehow intrigued by it. “Let me tell you why it is so important to share,” I explained to him, while he put his head down on my lap to rest.

My little boy, as you grow you will realise that the world is becoming a more and more selfish place. It is all about ‘me, myself and I’, and how much you can accumulate for yourself, and your immediate family. How much ever you may have, you will feel like it is never enough. In this materialistic world, it is each to his own. But if you can actually dig deep into your pockets, let go of your greed, and share (even a little), with those who need it, or are entitled to it, you will feel so good and humble. By ‘giving back’ or sharing you will be also building relationships full of love. For example, if you share your chocolate with a sibling or friend they will be grateful. In fact, won’t eating the entire bar be harmful to you, and you may end up with a toothache? Maybe tomorrow that person will share their goodies with you, which will make you happy as well. The positives of sharing are numerous. I hope you discover them in your journey. Maybe the siblings who grow up and fight with each other, are the ones who did not learn to share when they were your age!

My little boy, it is not only about money or possessions, but also emotions. Again nowadays people block themselves off, and look only within their four walls. At this rate one day there will be no feelings left. No humanity. People are sometimes scared to share their happiness, as they may attract jealousy. They also do not share their sadness or pain, in case they appear weak, and prefer to maintain a perfect image, even if it is fake. But if we learn to connect with people, family and friends, we will have a greater support system. Don’t be afraid to express yourself and share your thoughts and beliefs. You may help someone by doing so, or learn yourself. Life can be full of pressures and ups and downs. If you bottle everything up then one day you may burst! Maybe that is why so many grown ups give up? They never learned to share their burden. So don’t be embarrassed to reach out when you need help. You must be open to give and receive love. To share love.

My little boy heard me patiently, as I stroked his head. I don’t know how much of my grown-up lecture he understood. I didn’t realise that I kept talking or maybe I was telling myself all these things as well? “Mom, I promise I will share”, he said smiling, “because I love the story of the old lady and the crow.” Sometimes simple incidents can teach a child a whole lot more, than our wise words can!

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

Author

A first time author, Shweta Sehgal has a sudden desire to 'connect' with the world through her thoughts and experiences. A post graduate from the London School of Economics she is intellectual, intense, and interesting. She blogs about 'everyday life' in the city... from kids to karwachauth... emotions to exercise... mothers-in-law to mohitos... hubbies to Herves… and takes you with her through the 'chaos and charm' of it all! ShweShwe will add that 'chutzpah' to your day while you curl up on the couch with your 'chai'!

A first time author, Shweta Sehgal has a sudden desire to 'connect' with the world through her thoughts and experiences. A post graduate from the London Sch. . .

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Author

A first time author, Shweta Sehgal has a sudden desire to 'connect' with the world through her thoughts and experiences. A post graduate from the London School of Economics she is intellectual, intense, and interesting. She blogs about 'everyday life' in the city... from kids to karwachauth... emotions to exercise... mothers-in-law to mohitos... hubbies to Herves… and takes you with her through the 'chaos and charm' of it all! ShweShwe will add that 'chutzpah' to your day while you curl up on the couch with your 'chai'!

A first time author, Shweta Sehgal has a sudden desire to 'connect' with the world through her thoughts and experiences. A post graduate from the London Sch. . .